TN: 2004 Rhys Alesia Pinot Noir Sonatera Vineyard

WINE TALK
1

Here are two tasting notes on a wine – one tasted about four months ago and the other just a couple days ago. I’m curious to see what others’ experiences have been with this wine.

  • 2004 Rhys Alesia Pinot Noir Sonatera Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (2/13/2009)
    Thought I would give this wine another shot. Slow-oxed for about 5 hours before taking my first sip. Much better than my previous experience, but still not my cup of tea. Earthy notes of plum skin, dark cherries, and forest floor. Seemed heavy on the palate in spite of its robust acidity. (85 pts.)
  • 2004 Rhys Alesia Pinot Noir Sonatera Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (10/25/2008)
    2004 Sonoma Coast Wine Dinner (Kimera - Irvine, CA): A very Burgundian wine, but not necessarily in a good way. Dank aromas of earth, stem, and (with air) roses followed by faded cranberry fruit, mushrooms, and forest floor. Not really my cup of tea. (82 pts.)
2

Thanks for the notes. It has been about 18 months since I have tried this. I enjoyed the wine a more than you but I think this wine may suffer from being a perfect storm for Alesia. Terrible vintage + a site that does not suit their desired style. I am holding on to my last few bottles but my optimism is guarded.

Jason

3

Thanks Paul and Jason,

It is interesting, but I adored this wine in May 2007. Since then, I have read notes about secondary fermentation, over-extraction, reduction, you name it. The bottle I had featured a funky, earthy old-world nose and a finely-balanced, pure-fruited palate presence. Again, since then, I have read lots of notes suggesting that it is not balanced and is over-done. As such, I have been sitting on my last bottle for a while trying to determine the right time to give this another shot, but it sure sounds like now ain’t the time. I sure hope there is a time…

-Michael

4

When we tried it there was a bit of spritz at first. I didn’t think it was secondary fermentation, rather it has been gassed at bottling (I don’t know the correct term here and I may be talking out my backside).

J